Vitamins Minerals and Depression

Depression is something that most of today’s society is dealing with now, or has dealt with in the past. It is an epidemic and affects every segment of our society and every age group. Vitamin deficiencies can produce depression. Supplements may be needed if you have had surgery recently, or had an inflammatory disease. Pregnancy, stress, and breast-feeding can also drain our body of valuable nutrients. If you are taking birth control pills, aspirin, or tetracycline they also may be responsible for a shortage of vitamin C.

Mineral shortages may also contribute to depression. Some are important for our mental health and if we don’t receive them we may have depressive symptoms. Let’s look at some that contribute to depression.

A shortage of potassium is often associated with tearfulness, weakness, depression and fatigue. Potassium is also important if you are taking a diuretic as they can cause leg cramps too. Magnesium shortages can cause confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and anxiety as well as depression symptoms.

Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth but did you know that if you don’t get enough calcium it affects the central nervous system? Low levels of this important mineral cause apprehension, irritability, numbness, and nervousness.

Magnesium and manganese both contribute to depression symptoms. Magnesium shortage will result in confusion, anxiety, agitation, and hallucinations. It also will cause various other physical problems. Most of us do not consume enough magnesium in our diets and stress also reduces the magnesium in our body. Manganese is needed for the proper use of B complex vitamins and vitamin C. It also has a role in forming amino acids. If you are short of on manganese, depression can result because of low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. Manganese also helps keep our blood sugar stable and helps in preventing mood swings.

A zinc shortage can result in loss of appetite, lethargy, and loss of enjoyment in life. When the body doesn’t have enough zinc it can lead to an overdose of copper that results in paranoia and fear. Iron is another mineral that can cause depression symptoms if the body becomes low. Iron deficiency symptoms are weakness, exhaustion, and lack of appetite, listlessness, and headaches.

Patients who are depressed may want to check their vitamin in-take to be sure they are getting the recommended daily allowances. Many people who are depressed do not eat healthy and so are not consuming a healthy diet. A good vitamin supplement may be needed as well as prescribed medications and help from a mental health professional. Vitamins are an important part of our physical and mental health. Are you getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to prevent health problems and depression?

Choose a good multivitamin and be faithful in taking it each day. Check labels for the percentage amounts for recommended daily allowances and choose the one that has all your body needs. If ingredients are alike but there is a price difference, it is alright to choose the less expensive vitamin supplement.